By MILDRED KATONGO  –
THE United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has commended Zambia for its efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rate and pledged to continue rendering support.
UNICEF Country representative Hamid Ibrahim said he was happy that Zambia was committed and progressing well as it had put much emphasis on programmes aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Dr Ibrahim said the number of children dying had reduced compared to what it was in the early 90’s.
He said Zambia had made progress in terms of reaching the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on reduced child and maternal deaths.
The UNICEF team is on the Copperbelt touring health centres with aim to help Zambia address the challenge of maternal and child mortality.
Dr Ibrahim said last year the European Union (EU) released about US$60 million aimed at addressing maternal and infant mortality in Zambia under the MDG Initiative (MDGI) which would run up to 2018.
“We came to visit the Copperbelt because we have a programme called Millennium Development Goals Initiative (MDGI). It’s a $60 million programme which will run for three years. It started last year and will go up to 2018. We want to address the unfinished business in relation to under five and maternal mortality, child nutrition and sanitation,” he said.
Dr Ibrahim said Zambia was committed and that UNICEF would continue to support the country’s efforts.
He said the team would visit a number of health centres in the province to inspect and check on the progress being made.
“Zambia is moving well for instance  in 1991, almost 170 children died per 1,000 births but now its coming to between 70  and  73 per month, but the aim is to reach the MDG goal of 64. I think Zambia is almost there. It is moving very steadily, sustained and there is commitment. We are here to support Zambia,” he said.
Copperbelt deputy Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga said UNICEF was a key partner in addressing maternal challenges.
Mr Kamanga attributed the milestone made by Government in the health sector to the support from key partners like UNICEF.
He said Government would continue to implement policies that would enhance health provision services.
“We remain committed to coming up with policies that will help us enhance service provision. We urge the UNICEF team to identify gaps that can be addressed,” he said.